32Red.com Handicap Hurdle

Off time: 15:36 | Winning time: 4m 6.63s

Demopolis³¹

Age: 5| Weight: 11-12| J: T J O'Brien| T: P Hobbs & J White| OR: 136

12/1

Successful in his only hurdle race in France, but had no chance with an easy winner on stable/British jumping debut at Haydock. Interesting that he is switched to handicap company so quickly.

Form: 1-2

Eragon De Chanay^v²⁸

Age: 5| Weight: 11-11| J: N F Houlihan⁽¹⁰⁾| T: G & J Moore| OR: 135| CD

6/1

Given an enterprising ride by this jockey when scoring over 2m4f at this venue in November, but was well held off 2lb higher than this mark over C&D last time. Looks high enough in the weights.

Form: 72-P137

Our Merlin³⁰

Age: 7| Weight: 11-4| J: Stan Sheppard⁽³⁾| T: R Walford| OR: 128| D

9/2

Back to form when making all to score at Wincanton last month. An 8lb rise makes life much tougher, but at least he has proved he is in good heart.

Form: 235-031

Saintemilion⁷⁴⁰

Age: 6| Weight: 11-3| J: H Cobden| T: P F Nicholls| OR: 127

20/1

Formerly trained in Germany, but did his racing in France and was a winner over hurdles in the summer of 2016. Fair third of seven on stable debut at Fontwell in December, 2016, but has not been sighted since.

Form: 241F43/

Court Royale¹⁴

Age: 6| Weight: 11-0| J: Adam Wedge| T: Evan Williams| OR: 124| D

4/1

In good form in the autumn, winning at Ludlow and Taunton, and latest display in a hot handicap at Ascot was perfectly acceptable. Down 1lb and appeals with stable in good form.

Form: F31419

Monsieur Lecoq¹⁹

Age: 5| Weight: 10-12| J: Lizzie Kelly⁽³⁾| T: Mrs J Williams| OR: 122| D

11/4

Off the mark in style when bolting up in a maiden hurdle at Ffos Las last month. Every chance that he has been let in lighty on handicap debut.

Form: P3-3F1

Thistimenextyear^h²⁹

Age: 5| Weight: 10-10| J: James Bowen| T: R Spencer| OR: 120

3/1

First run in handicap company when fine second over C&D. Has been raised 5lb, but had been progressive on the Flat before that jumps race so has to be respected.

Form: F22-2

Forecasts

Monsieur Lecoq (11/4), Thistimenextyear (3/1), Court Royale (4/1), Our Merlin (9/2), Eragon De Chanay (6/1), Demopolis (12/1), Saintemilion (20/1)

Demopolis looks to have plenty on his plate off top weight, so this could be fought out by three runners at the other end of the handicap in Court Royale, Thistimenextyear and MONSIEUR LECOQ. The selection is unxposed over timber and may be leniently treated on his handicap bow. Our Merlin enters calculations despite his steep rise in the weights,